Inside the World of High-Touch Celebrations: What Luxury Clients Really Want in 2026

When Business Insider recently asked me about the rise of over-the-top celebrations, I was honored to share what really drives luxury clients today. While some may see extravagance, I see intentionality, emotion, and a desire to create lasting memories. Here, I’m sharing highlights from the interview, along with deeper insight into the heart behind the high-touch experiences we produce at Kesh Events.

Photography by Reem Photography | Planned & Designed by Kesh Events

The Shift Toward Meaningful Indulgence

Luxury today is no longer about flaunting wealth—it’s about curating deeply personalized, sensory-rich experiences that reflect who our clients are. Whether it’s a destination wedding in Tuscany, an anniversary dinner under the stars, or a multi-day birthday celebration in the French Riviera, our clients want every moment to feel bespoke.

As I shared with Business Insider, the goal is not extravagance for extravagance’s sake—it’s meaning. Clients are investing in experiences that celebrate milestones with emotion, style, and soul. That might look like a custom fragrance bar inspired by the couple’s love story, or a private dinner on a secluded clifftop in Santorini. Every detail is storytelling.

Photography by Amy Anaiz | Planned & Designed by Kesh Events

From Personalization to Production

In the interview, I emphasized that planning these events requires more than design skill—it takes creative production and emotional intelligence. Our clients don’t just hire us to plan a party. They trust us to understand their vision, handle the pressure, and deliver an elevated experience their guests will never forget.

This means sourcing global vendors, scouting multiple venues across continents, curating design moments that feel cinematic, and orchestrating seamless guest experiences from touchdown to takeoff. We think of every touchpoint—welcome gifts, transportation, lighting, sound, ambiance—because luxury is in the details.

Why Clients Trust Kesh Events

For nearly two decades, we’ve worked with discerning clients around the world to create celebration journeys that reflect legacy, culture, and intention. We are honored that our clients keep coming back and refer us to their most private inner circle.

They trust us not just for our style, but for our discretion, problem-solving, and grace under pressure. These are not "over-the-top" parties. These are milestone moments, designed with care and executed with excellence.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Celebration?

If you're planning a destination wedding, milestone celebration, or high-touch brand event, we would be honored to guide you through the experience. Explore our bespoke planning and design services:

Discover Kesh Events

Want to read the full Business Insider feature? Click here to explore the article.

And if you’re ready to create a celebration that's deeply personal, artfully designed, and executed with intention, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us!

Akeshi Akinseye

Akeshi Akinseye

Founder & CEO of Kesh Events | Event Planner, Designer, Author & Hospitality Expert

Akeshi Akinseye is the founder and CEO of Kesh Events, a Chicago-based event planning, design and production company creating high-end weddings, destination celebrations, private events and brand experiences worldwide.

With more than 15 years of experience, her work centers on thoughtful hospitality, guest experience, cultural intelligence and the planning, design and production of highly considered celebrations.

Akeshi is also the author of The Art of Celebrating, a book about meaningful gatherings, thoughtful design and creating more intentional moments around the table and at home.

Her work and perspective on weddings, celebrations, design and hospitality have been featured in CNN, The New York Times, Forbes, Brides, People and other leading publications.

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https://akeshiakinseye.com
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